Let's Talk Dementia

I have two stories today.  One will make you ponder, and the other will make you giggle!

I recently read an excerpt that helped me realize Mary, the mother of Jesus, knew a little something about caregiving.  Caregiving in the most difficult of situations.  Sound familiar?

Where is God in the midst of your struggles?  Can you trust His providence?

If you push against a brick wall, that brick wall will not move.  Arguing with your loved one is just as productive.  DON'T DO IT!

I love to have my feet and hands rubbed.  Oh what a wonderful experience.  However, our loved ones with advanced dementia might find that wonderful massage to be painful.  Why?  That's the topic of today's show.

If you love coffee or green tea, you are really going to enjoy today's episode.  Go fix yourself a cuppa, and tune in!

"The relationship is what counts - not the outcome."  Those words I learned from Teepa Snow (www.teepasnow.com).  They are so very true.  Let's talk about that!

Isolation and loneliness are having a dramatic effect on our health.  The number of folks dealing with these things has increased dramatically since COVID.  What can we do to combat it?  That's the topic of today's episode.

This recipe is titled "The Best Black Bean Burgers I've Ever Had."  I did not name this recipe, but I couldn't agree more.  I hope you enjoy it.  You can also find the recipe at https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/best-black-bean-burgers/  OR on my website - www.letstalkdementia.org/podcasts.  Happy eating! THE BEST BLACK BEAN BURGERS I'VE EVER HAD 2 (14 ounce) cans black be...

APOE4 is called "The Alzheimer's Gene."  Are you a carrier?  Do you have one copy or two copies?  Do you want to know if you have it?  What changes will you make in your life once you get that information?  Let's talk about that!

Full body exams, sunscreen, body soap without chemicals, laundry detergent that is free and clear, and soap on your dishes.  All these things are discussed in today's episode.

Studies have shown nasal breathing to be beneficial in memory and recall.  That's amazing news.  Breathing in through the nose and out through the nose is such an easy technique to improve our memory and MAYBE the memory of our loved one with dementia.  It is certainly worth a try.

No matter your age, physical condition, financial position, or number of dependents, you need to get a few very important documents in order.  It is about as much fun as buying tires or getting a new transmission, but it has to be done!  Contact an eldercare attorney near you to get the ball rolling. 

Today I share with you words of encouragement and a reading from Max Lucado's book YOU ARE NEVER ALONE.  Click here to order - ​https://amzn.to/2M8z0zW5

I had the pleasure of working with First Baptist in Cramerton, North Carolina to hold a Q&A Session.  This is the soundtrack from that event.  ENJOY!

I watched "Home Alone 2" over the Christmas season, and Kevin McCallister  stated he often felt like the pigeon in his family.  It made me think about our loved ones with dementia.

Do you remember the movie "Back To The Future"?  It was about time traveling.  You might be surprised to learn time travel is not a new thing, and you have been doing it your entire life!

Does COVID have a long-term detrimental effect on the brain?  It seems that might be true.  However, there are lots of other diseases that do, also.

Today's episode is about weddings, baths, and bacon.  And, believe it or not, I relate it to caregiving!

DOOMSCROLLING.  Some of you doomscroll several times a day.  Some of you do it less frequently.  The happiest of you never doomscroll.  So what is doom- scrolling?

It seems we need to develop an exercise program for our brain.  It might need to lift weights and walk the treadmill.  Well, not exactly, but every exercise that is good for our body is good for our brain!  So, exercise YOUR brain!

ANTS in my brain?  No way!  Actually, ANT refers to automatic negative thoughts, and you DO have them in your brain.  How are we to respond to these ANTS?  Call the exterminator!  Ship them away!  Kick them to the curb!

The way you think about things has a direct effect on the health of your body.  Your perceptions of life, both good and bad, literally change the cellular structure of your body.  AND, how you feel effects your loved one with dementia.

I was honored to bring the sermon at First Church of Cramerton, North Carolina, and this is the virtual version of that sermon.  I hope you enjoy it and spend time thinking about your "second chances."

Merry Christmas!